At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Audit & Risk Assurance Committee and oversee financial control and governance.
- Company: Join UKNNL, the UK's leading civil national laboratory for nuclear fission.
- Benefits: Shape governance in a high-impact organisation and grow your non-executive portfolio.
- Other info: Diverse perspectives are encouraged to help evolve UKNNL as an inclusive organisation.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal mission for energy security and societal impact.
- Qualifications: Strong financial background and experience in complex risk environments required.
UKNNL is the UK’s lead civil national laboratory for nuclear fission, delivering nuclear science to benefit society.
About UKNNL: The UK’s ‘nuclear revival’ is moving at pace and is critical in the national mission to secure energy security, net-zero goals, and national resilience. UKNNL is the government's lead civil laboratory for nuclear fission, providing the science, technology and world-leading laboratories to support the country’s civil nuclear programmes, to support growth of the UK nuclear sector and ensure they are delivered safely and cost-effectively. They are pivotal in innovation on advanced nuclear fuels, waste reduction, recycling and SMRs. Their societal impact goes well beyond energy and includes medical isotopes for healthcare, national security capabilities and industrial and scientific advancement. UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) plays a unique role in supporting the UK’s nuclear capability—advancing science, strengthening energy resilience, and delivering critical infrastructure for the future.
The Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is seeking to appoint a new Non-Executive Director for the UKNNL board.
Why this role? This is a very exciting time to join the UKNNL Board as a NED and provide strategic leadership and risk oversight in one of the most complex and tightly regulated sectors. This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior finance or risk leader ready to step into a significant non-executive role, or to take on their first Board committee chair position. At a time of rapid change and growth, you will help ensure UKNNL maintains a robust, transparent and forward-looking control environment, supporting confidence across government, regulators and stakeholders.
This role offers:
- The chance to shape governance in a highly regulated, high-impact organisation
- Exposure to complex strategic issues at the intersection of science, policy and delivery
- A platform to grow your non-executive portfolio and committee leadership experience
Accountabilities: As ARAC Chair, you will lead oversight of audit, risk, financial control and assurance - central to the Board’s fiduciary responsibilities. You will:
- Chair the Audit & Risk Assurance Committee and shape its agenda
- Oversee internal and external audit, risk management and control frameworks
- Challenge the executive on risk appetite, mitigation and emerging threats
- Provide confidence to government and stakeholders on governance and accountability
- Contribute fully to Board discussions on strategy and performance
What We’re Looking For: Essential and Desirable Criteria Alongside a sense of inquisitiveness, tenacity, freshness and new thinking to the Board, we’re looking for candidates with the following experience:
Essential criteria:
- A strong financial background (qualified accountant)
- Experience in complex risk, audit or control environments within large or complex organisations
- Excellent inter-personal skills and demonstrable capability to manage complex stakeholder relationships
- Prior experience as a member of (or of having worked very closely) with an audit and risk committee
Desirable criteria:
- Understanding of Cyber risk
- Experience as a non-executive director within a public sector body
- Familiarity with government funding/accounting
- Previous experience in supporting organisations through the change management process
You may already have some non-executive experience or be looking for a first significant Board role where your expertise can translate into wider impact. Join us! We are particularly interested in candidates who bring new and diverse perspectives - helping UKNNL continue to evolve as a modern, inclusive and purpose-driven organisation. If you are motivated by public value, excited by complex governance challenges, and ready to contribute at Board level - we encourage you to apply.
To apply: This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments – the independent regulator of Public Appointments. To apply complete the following two steps:
- Register your details on the Public Appointments Website: From October 2025, all applicants for Public Appointments are required to create an account on the Public Appointments Website and use this portal to submit their equality and outside interest declarations as part of the application process. You are required to complete the equality and political declaration sections for this application.
- Submit your application via the Hays application portal: You will need to provide:
- Supporting Statement - Which should address your motivation in applying and the essential criteria in the Person Specification and demonstrate evidence of your suitability for the role against these criteria. Maximum length: 2 sides of A4.
- Curriculum Vitae - Maximum length: 4 sides of A4.
Please note: your application will not be considered without you completing both the Hays and Public Appointments elements including the equality and political declaration sections.
To confidentially discuss the role in further detail or request a copy of the Candidate Brief, please contact Andrew Timlin or Wendi Wang at Hays Executive.
Campaign dates:
- Closing date: 15th June 2026
- First round of interviews: W/C 22nd June 2026
- UKNNL/DESNZ/UKGI interviews: W/C 29th June 2026
The above dates are subject to change.
Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee in Chester employer: HAYS-2
UKNNL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the UK's nuclear sector while ensuring energy security and advancing societal benefits. With a strong focus on innovation and a commitment to diversity, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and take on significant leadership roles in a supportive and inclusive environment. The chance to engage with complex strategic issues at the intersection of science and policy makes UKNNL a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation inside out! Research UKNNL's recent projects and initiatives, especially in nuclear science and energy security. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills align with their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former board members and industry professionals on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider insights and might even lead to a referral—who doesn’t love a good recommendation?
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience in finance and risk management can contribute to UKNNL’s goals. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, focusing on your strategic leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, make sure to tailor your supporting statement to highlight your motivation and relevant experience for this specific role.
We think you need these skills to ace Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you dive into your application, take a moment to really grasp what this Non-Executive Director role entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and expectations outlined in the job description so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure it clearly outlines your motivation for applying and how your experience aligns with the essential criteria. Keep it concise but impactful—aim for no more than two sides of A4.
Showcase Your CV:When putting together your CV, highlight your relevant experience, especially in finance, risk, and audit environments. Remember, you’ve got a maximum of four sides of A4, so make every word count and focus on what makes you a great fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through the Public Appointments Website and the Hays application portal. Completing both parts is crucial for your application to be considered, so double-check that you’ve ticked all the boxes before hitting submit!
How to prepare for a job interview at HAYS-2
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and tasks associated with the Non-Executive Director role. Familiarise yourself with UKNNL's mission, current projects, and the challenges they face in the nuclear sector. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Prepare for Complex Questions
Given the nature of the role, expect questions that delve into your experience with risk management and audit processes. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder relationships or led audit committees. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the intricacies of the position.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a potential chair of the Audit & Risk Assurance Committee, it's crucial to exhibit your strategic mindset. Be ready to discuss how you would approach governance challenges and contribute to board discussions on strategy and performance. Think about innovative solutions you could bring to the table.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in UKNNL’s future direction and governance practices. Engaging with the interviewers not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
